He lay quietly looking up at the stars. Most of his companions had already drifted off to sleep, and other than quiet murmuring of the one besides himself who was still awake and the sound of the wind in the olive trees, all was quiet. He wasn’t aware that he, too, had fallen asleep until he was startled awake by a hand on his shoulder and the quiet words, “It’s time to go.”

Wrapping their cloaks around them, the small group prepared to leave when suddenly they were surrounded by an angry mob, swords glinting in the moonlight, making unthinkable demands. Outraged, he grabbed his sword and had the satisfaction of hearing it slice through gristle and flesh. To no avail. With the arrogance of authority they took what they wanted and left, the crowd swelling as they neared the center of town.
Frightened and upset, he followed at a distance as the seething, shouting mob surged forward, stopped in the courtyard, then entered the official palace. In the courtyard someone started a fire. He inched forward, shivering, glad for the fire’s warmth on his hands and face.

Cautiously now he moved through the crowd. Suddenly a loud voice cried out, “I know him,” the fingers pointed accusingly, “He was with them.” With a mixture of fear and indignation he snarled, “No, you are wrong.” He moved slowly on, pushing his way through the mob. Another voice cried, “He was there, he’s one of them.”

“I don’t know what you are talking about,” he snapped and went back to stand again near the warming fire as a cold wind stirred his cloak. But he was not to relax for long. Once again the strident voice, “I saw you with HIm!”

“No,” he almost shouted, “you did not.” Just then a cock crowed in the early dawn. Peter froze, turned and met the sad eyes of his soon-to-be crucified Christ.” Anguished, he recalled the words, “Peter, before the cock crows you will deny me three times.”

Heart breaking, Peter strode out into the early dawn, weeping bitterly, as he wondered if he would ever be able to forget those three terrible times he had denied his savior.

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